Legoland ontario place

By David Rider City Hall Bureau Chief Fri., Jan. 18, 2019 Ontario Place’s landmark Cinesphere dome and futuristic pods appear threatened by the bulldozer under Premier Doug Ford’s plan to redevelop the shuttered, once-beloved waterfront park. The government is not, apparently, ruling out a waterfront casino, giant Ferris wheel or megamall and hotel, attractions Ford pitched for Toronto’s downtown waterfront while he was on city council from 2010 to 2014. Tourism Minister Michael Tibollo said in a news release Friday that the government is soliciting international proposals on how to turn Ontario Place, which closed in 2012 amid slumping attendance, into “a spectacular world-class, year-round destination to visit in North America. “Our vision for Ontario Place will make it an impressive attraction that could include exciting sport and entertainment landmarks, public parks or shopping,” Tibillo said. “We could also … [Read more...] about Cinesphere? Megamall? Casino? Ferris wheel? Critics worry about Ford government’s plan for Ontario Place

By David Rider City Hall Bureau Chief Fri., Jan. 18, 2019 Ontario Place’s landmark Cinesphere dome and futuristic pods could face the bulldozer under Premier Doug Ford’s plan to redevelop the shuttered, once-beloved waterfront park. The government is not, apparently, ruling out a waterfront casino, giant ferris wheel or megamall and hotel, attractions Ford pitched for Toronto’s downtown waterfront while he was on city council from 2010 to 2014. Tourism Minister Michael Tibollo said in a news release on Friday that the Ford government is soliciting international proposals on how to turn Ontario Place, closed in 2012 amid slumping attendance, into “a spectacular world-class, year-round destination to visit in North America. “Our vision for Ontario Place will make it an impressive attraction that could include exciting sport and entertainment landmarks, public parks or shopping. We could also have places for recreation, for people … [Read more...] about Cinesphere? Megamall? Casino? Ferris wheel? Inside the Ford government’s plan for Ontario Place

By David Rider City Hall Bureau Chief Fri., Jan. 11, 2019 Former Progressive Conservative premier Bill Davis is weighing into the debate to ensure a crucial piece of Toronto waterfront remains “a family place” — with no casino. Davis, at age 89 a revered figure in the Progressive Conservative party, made the comments about Ontario Place in response to questions the Star put to thinkers, planners and politicians about the site’s future being pondered by Premier Doug Ford and his PC government. Some are calling for major development but most experts said revitalization steps to date — a walking and biking trail named after Davis in 2015 and the east island’s 7.5-acre Trillium Park — are steps in the right direction. “Ontario Place was conceived as a family place, with attractions, entertainment, food services, play and theatre areas aimed at the family,” Davis said in a statement, adding its superb Lake … [Read more...] about Ontario Place must remain ‘family friendly’ and accessible to all, experts say. Here are their ideas

By Jennifer Pagliaro City Hall Bureau Sat., Jan. 12, 2019 It was meant to be a place for the people. But Ontario Place was also conceived with a bit of hubris in mind. It also was built without building permits. The idea was first pitched by then Progressive Conservative premier John Robarts in August 1968 as a new exhibition space for the province — an expanded Canadian National Exhibition — in response to Expo 67, which had just concluded to great acclaim for Montreal, which was rivalling Toronto as a cultural jewel. Robarts, who was opening the Ex that day, the Star reported, called the province’s vision in part a “major new recreational complex for the use of the people of Ontario.” The project would see the CNE open longer; it would include water elements like those at Expo and replicate the success of Ontario’s pavilion at the recently concluded world fair, he said. It would reflect the same “mood of gaiety and … [Read more...] about From the beginning, Ontario Place was about the future

By David Rider City Hall Bureau Chief Fri., Jan. 11, 2019 Former Progressive Conservative premier Bill Davis is weighing into the debate to ensure a crucial piece of Toronto waterfront remains “a family place” — with no casino. Davis, at age 89 a revered figure in the Progressive Conservative party, made the comments about Ontario Place in response to questions the Star put to thinkers, planners and politicans about the site’s future being pondered by Premier Doug Ford and his PC government. Some are calling for major development but most experts said revitalization steps to date — a walking and biking trail named after Davis in 2015 and the east island’s 7.5-acre Trillium Park — are steps in the right direction. “Ontario Place was conceived as a family place, with attractions, entertainment, food services, play and theatre areas aimed at the family,” Davis said in a statement, adding its superb Lake … [Read more...] about Ex-premier Bill Davis and others insist Ontario Place remain ‘family firendly’ and accessible to all